Chronic pain can significantly impact daily activity levels, leading to a need for self-pacing strategies. You come to an acceptance that you cannot really function fully like everyone else when you have a chronic illness because somehow, it often hinders you from going all out.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the spoon theory, developed by Christine Miserandino, suggests that people with chronic pain start each day with a set number of daily “spoons” representing the physical and mental energy needed to complete a task. This self-pacing strategy is said to emphasise the importance of being economical in how patients spread their use of their spoons in their daily activities.
“Smaller tasks, like showering or getting dressed, may cost only one spoon, while larger tasks, like cooking or vacuuming, may take three or four spoons. On days with increased pain, even smaller tasks may require multiple spoons.”
The GoodRX Health publication mentions that one receives this title of being a spoonie if they are coping with chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or disabilities, often experiencing chronic fatigue. These conditions are said to limit energy and can include autoimmune disorders, postviral and bacterial illnesses, fibromyalgia, chronic migraines, autonomic dysfunction, neurodevelopmental differences, and chronic pain.
To manage energy, the Eat Speak Think publications state that you determine the number of spoons needed for common tasks and record this for 1-2 weeks. It is suggested that you use a chart to plan your day, estimating the number of spoonfuls of energy you wake up with. “You can write this number down on one of the “Plan your day” charts in the free download. Now write down or check off your planned activities. Subtract the spoons you’ll use from what you started with. Do you have enough?”
